Desa Tech VN6C User manual

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INFRARED VENT-FREE NATURAL GAS HEATER

OWNER’S OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL

®

MODELS: VN6C AND VN10

®

WARNING: If the information in this manual is not followed exactly, a fire or explosion may

result causing property damage, personal injury, or loss of life.

—Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this

or any other appliance.

—WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS

• Do not try to light any appliance.

• Do not touch any electrical switch; do not use any phone in your building.

• Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor’s phone. Follow the gas supplier’s

instructions.

• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department.

—Installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer, service agency, or the

gas supplier.

This appliance may be installed in an aftermarket* manufactured (mobile) home, where not

prohibited by state or local codes.

* Aftermarket: Completion of sale, not for purpose of resale, from the manufacturer

This appliance is only for use with the type of gas indicated on the rating plate. This appliance

is not convertible for use with other gases.

WARNING: This is an unvented gas-fired heater. It uses air (oxygen) from the room in which

it is installed. Provisions for adequate combustion must be provided. Refer to page 3 of this

manual.

2

101851

NATURAL GAS HEATER

VANGUARD VN6C AND VN10

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Early

signs of carbon monoxide poisoning re-

semble the flu, with headaches, dizziness,

or nausea. If you have these signs, the heater

may not be working properly. Get fresh air

at once! Have heater serviced. Some people

are more affected by carbon monoxide than

others. These include pregnant women, per-

sons with heart or lung disease or anemia,

those under the influence of alcohol, and

those at high altitudes.

Natural Gas: Natural gas is odorless. An

odor-making agent is added to natural gas.

The odor helps you detect a natural gas leak.

However, the odor added to natural gas can

fade. Natural gas may be present even though

no odor exists.

Make certain you read and understand all

Warnings. Keep this manual for reference.

It is your guide to safe and proper operation

of this heater.

SAFETY

INFORMATION

WARNING: Any change to this heater or

its controls can be dangerous.

1. This appliance is only for use with the

type of gas indicated on the rating plate.

This appliance is not convertible for use

with other gases.

WARNING ICON G 001

WARNINGS

IMPORTANT: Read this Owner’s

Manual carefully and completely

before trying to assemble, oper-

ate, or service this heater. Im-

proper use of this heater can

cause serious injury or death from

burns, fire, explosion, and car-

bon monoxide poisoning.

DANGER: Carbon monoxide

poisoning may lead to death!

2. If you smell gas

• shut off gas supply

• do not try to light any appliance

• do not touch any electrical switch;

do not use any phone in your build-

ing

• immediately call your gas supplier

from a neighbor’s phone. Follow the

gas supplier’s instructions

• if you cannot reach your gas supplier,

call the fire department

3. Heater model VN10 shall not be in-

stalled in a bathroom.

4. Never install the heater

• in a recreational vehicle

• where curtains, furniture, clothing, or

other flammable objects are less than

36 inches from the front, top, or sides

of the heater

• as a fireplace insert

• in high traffic areas

• in windy or drafty areas

5. Always run heater with control knob

at LOW or HIGH locked positions

(VN10) or ON position (VN6C). Never

set control knob between locked posi-

tions. Poor combustion may result.

6. This heater needs fresh, outside air ven-

tilation to run properly. This heater has

an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) pi-

lot light safety system. The ODS shuts

down the heater if not enough fresh air

is available. See Air for Combustion

and Ventilation, pages 3 through 5.

7. Keep all air openings in front and bot-

tom of heater clear and free of debris.

This will insure enough air for proper

combustion.

8. If heater shuts off, do not relight until

you provide fresh, outside air. If heater

keeps shutting off, have it serviced.

9. Do not run heater

• where flammable liquids or vapors

are used or stored

• under dusty conditions

10. Never place any objects on the heater.

11. Surface of heater becomes very hot

when running heater. Keep children and

adults away from hot surface to avoid

burns or clothing ignition. Heater will

remain hot for a time after shut-down.

Allow surface to cool before touching.

12. Carefully supervise young children

when they are in same room with

heater.

13. Make sure grill guard is in place be-

fore running heater.

14. Do not use heater if any part has been

under water. Immediately call a quali-

fied service technician to inspect the

room heater and to replace any part of

the control system and any gas control

which has been under water.

15. Turn off heater and let cool before ser-

vicing. Only a qualified service person

should service and repair heater.

16. Operating heater above elevations of

4,500 feet could cause pilot outage.

3

101851

OWNER’S MANUAL

PRODUCT

IDENTIFICATION

LOCAL CODES

Install and use heater with care. Follow all

local codes. In the absence of local codes,

use the latest edition of National Fuel Gas

Code ANSI Z223.1, also known as NFPA

54*.

*Available from:

American National Standards Institute, Inc.

1430 Broadway

New York, NY 10018

National Fire Protection Association, Inc.

Batterymarch Park

Quincy, MA 02269

UNPACKING

1. Remove heater from carton.

2. Remove all protective packaging ap-

plied to heater for shipment.

3. Check heater for any shipping damage.

If heater is damaged, promptly inform

dealer where you bought heater.

PRODUCT

FEATURES

SAFETY PILOT

This heater has a pilot with an Oxygen

Depletion Sensor Shutoff System (ODS).

The ODS/pilot is a required feature for vent-

free room heaters. The ODS/pilot shuts off

the heater if there is not enough fresh air.

PIEZO IGNITION SYSTEM

This heater has a piezo ignitor. This system

requires no matches, batteries, or other

sources to light heater.

Heater

Cabinet

Grill Guard

Burners

Front Panel

Figure 1 - Vent-Free Natural Gas Heater (Model VN10 Shown)

Control Knob

Piezo Ignitor Button

AIR FOR

COMBUSTION AND

VENTILATION

Today’s homes are built more energy effi-

cient than ever. New materials, increased

insulation, and new construction methods

help reduce heat loss in homes. Home own-

ers weather strip and caulk around windows

and doors to keep the cold air out and the

warm air in. During heating months, home

owners want their homes as airtight as pos-

sible.

While it is good to make your home energy

efficient, your home needs to breathe. Fresh

air must enter your home. All fuel-burning

appliances need fresh air for proper com-

bustion and ventilation.

Exhaust fans, fireplaces, clothes dryers, and

fuel burning appliances draw air from the

house to operate. You must provide ad-

equate fresh air for these appliances. This

will insure proper venting of vented fuel-

burning appliances.

PROVIDING ADEQUATE

VENTILATION

The following is exerpts from National Fuel

Gas Code. NFPA 54/ANSI Z223.1, Section

5.3, Air for Combustion and Ventilation.

All spaces in homes fall into one of the three

following ventilation classifications:

1. Unusually Tight Contruction; 2. Uncon-

fined Space; 3. Confined Space.

The information on pages 4 and 5 will help

you classify your space and provide ad-

equate ventilation.

WARNING: This heater shall

not be installed in a confined

space unless provisions are pro-

vided for adequate combustion

and ventilation air. Read the fol-

lowing instructions to insure

proper fresh air for this and other

fuel-burning appliances in your

home.

Continued

4

101851

NATURAL GAS HEATER

VANGUARD VN6C AND VN10

WARNING: If the area in which

the heater may be operated is

smaller than that defined as an

unconfined space, provide ad-

equate combustion and ventila-

tion air by one of the methods

described in the

National Fuel

Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1, 1992,

Section 5.3 or applicable local

codes.

AIR FOR

COMBUSTION AND

VENTILATION

Continued

DETERMINING FRESH-AIR

FLOW FOR HEATER

LOCATION

Determining if You Have a

Confined or Unconfined Space

Use this worksheet to determine if you have

a confined or unconfined space.

Space: Includes the room in which you

will install heater plus any adjoining rooms

with doorless passageways or ventilation

grills between the rooms.

1. Determine the volume of the space

(length x width x height).

Length x Width x Height =

__________ cu. ft. (volume of space)

Example:

Space size 20 ft. (length) x 16 ft.

(width) x 8 ft. (ceiling height) =

2560 cu. ft. (volume of space)

If additional ventilation to adjoining

room is supplied with grills or open-

ings, add the volume of these rooms to

the total volume of the space.

2. Divide the space volume by 50 cubic

feet to determine the maximum Btu/Hr

the space can support.

________ (volume of space) ÷ 50 cu.

ft. = (Maximum Btu/Hr the space can

support)

Example:

2560 cu. ft. (volume of

space) ÷ 50 cu. ft. = 51.2 or 51,200

(maximum Btu/Hr the space can sup-

port)

3. Add the Btu/Hr of all fuel burning ap-

pliances in the space.

Vent-free heater __________ Btu/Hr

Gas water heater* ________ Btu/Hr

Gas furnace _____________ Btu/Hr

Vented gas heater_________ Btu/Hr

Gas fireplace logs ________ Btu/Hr

Other gas appliances*+ ____ Btu/Hr

Total = ____ Btu/Hr

Example:

Gas water heater 40,000 Btu/Hr

Vent-free heater + 10,000 Btu/Hr

Total = 50,000 Btu/Hr

* Do not include direct-vent gas appli-

ances. Direct-vent draws combustion

air from the outdoors and vents to the

outdoors.

4. Compare the maximum Btu/Hr the

space can support with the actual

amount of Btu/Hr used.

__________ Btu/Hr (maximum the

space can support)

__________ Btu/Hr (actual amount of

Btu/Hr used)

Example:

46,100 Btu/Hr (maximum

the space can support)

50,000 Btu/Hr (actual

amount of Btu/Hr used)

The space in the above example is a con-

fined space because the actual Btu/Hr used

is more than the maximum Btu/Hr the space

can support. You must provide additional

fresh air. Your options are as follows:

A. Rework worksheet, adding the space of

an adjoining room. If the extra space

provides an unconfined space, remove

door to adjoining room or add ventila-

tion grills between rooms. See Ventila-

tion Air From Inside Building, page 5.

B. Vent room directly to the outdoors. See

Ventilation Air From Outdoors, page 5.

C. Install a lower Btu/Hr heater, if lower

Btu/Hr size makes room unconfined.

If the actual Btu/Hr used is less than the

maximum Btu/Hr the space can support, the

space is an unconfined space. You will need

no additional fresh air ventilation.

UNUSUALLY TIGHT

CONSTRUCTION

The air that leaks around doors and win-

dows may provide enough fresh air for

combustion and ventilation. However, in

buildings of unusually tight construction,

you must provide additional fresh air.

Unusually tight construction is

defined as construction where:

a.walls and ceilings exposed to

the outside atmosphere have a

continuous water vapor re-

tarder with a rating of one perm

(6x10

-11

kg per pa-sec-m

2

) or

less with openings gasketed or

sealed

and

b.weather stripping has been

added on openable windows

and doors

and

c.caulking or sealants are ap-

plied to areas such as joints

around window and door

frames, between sole plates

and floors, between wall-ceil-

ing joints, between wall panels,

at penetrations for plumbing,

electrical, and gas lines, and at

other openings.

If your home meets all of the three

criteria above, you must provide ad-

ditional fresh air. See

Ventilation Air

From Outdoors

, page 5

.

If your home does not meet all of the

three criteria above, proceed to

Deter-

mining Fresh-Air Flow For Heater Lo-

cation

.

Confined and Unconfined Space

The National Fuel Gas Code (ANSIZ2123.1,

1992 Section 5.3) defines a confined space

as a space whose volume is less than 50

cubic feet per 1,000 Btu per hour (4.8 m3 per

kw) of the aggregate input rating of all

appliances installed in that space and an

unconfined space as a space whose volume

is not less than 50 cubic feet per 1,000 Btu

per hour (4.8 m3 per kw) of the aggregate

input rating of all appliances installed in that

space. Rooms communicating directly with

the space in which the appliances are in-

stalled*, through openings not furnished

with doors, are considered a part of the

unconfined space.

* Adjoining rooms are communicating only

if there are doorless passageways or ventila-

tion grills between them.

5

101851

OWNER’S MANUAL

Figure 3 - Ventilation Air from Outdoors

Outlet

Air

Ventilated

Attic

Outlet

Air

Inlet

Air

Inlet Air

Ventilated

Crawl Space

To

Crawl

Space

To Attic

Ventilation Air From Outdoors

Provide extra fresh air by using ventilation

grills or ducts. You must provide two per-

manent openings: one within 12" of the

ceiling and one within 12" of the floor.

Connect these items directly to the outdoors

or spaces open to the outdoors. These spaces

include attics and crawl spaces.

IMPORTANT:

Do not provide openings

for inlet or outlet air into attic if attic has a

thermostat-controlled power vent. Heated

air entering the attic will activate the power

vent.

Or

Remove

Door into

Adjoining

Room,

Option 3

Ventilation Grills

Into Adjoining Room,

Option 2

12"

Ventilation

Grills

into Adjoining

Room,

Option 1

Figure 2 - Ventilation Air from Inside Building

VENTILATION AIR

Ventilation Air From Inside

Building

This fresh air would come from an adjoining

unconfined space. When ventilating to an

adjoining unconfined space, you must pro-

vide two permanent openings: one within

12" of the ceiling and one within 12" of the

floor on the wall connecting the two spaces

(see options 1 and 2, Figure 2). You can also

remove door into adjoining room (see op-

tion 3, Figure 2). Follow the National Fuel

Gas Code NFPA 54/ANSI Z223.1, Section

5.3, Air for Combustion and Ventilation for

required size of ventilation grills or ducts.

WARNING: Rework work-

sheet, adding the space of the

adjoining unconfined space. The

combined spaces must have

enough fresh air to supply all

appliances in both spaces.

AIR FOR

COMBUSTION AND

VENTILATION

Continued

6

101851

NATURAL GAS HEATER

VANGUARD VN6C AND VN10

2. Mark two mounting screw locations on

wall (see Figure 5).

INSTALLING HEATER TO

WALL

Marking Screw Locations

1. Determine where you will locate heater.

Figure 5 - Mounting Screw Locations

WARNING: Maintain minimum

clearances shown in Figure 5. If

you can, provide greater clear-

ances from floor and joining wall.

For convenience and efficiency, install heater

• where there is easy access for op-

eration, inspection, and service

• in coldest part of room

Figure 4 - Mounting Clearances As Viewed

From Front of Heater

36"

3"

FLOOR

CEILING

Minimum

Minimum To Top Surfac

Of Carpeting, Tile Or Ot

Combustible Material

8"

Minimum

From

Sides Of

Heater

Right

Side

Left

Side

CAUTION: This heater cre-

ates warm air currents. These

currents move heat to wall sur-

faces next to heater. Installing

heater next to vinyl or cloth wall

coverings or operating heater

where impurities in the air (such

as tobacco smoke) exist, may

discolor walls.

CAUTION: If you install the

heater in a home garage

• heater pilot and burner must

be at least 18 inches above

floor

• locate heater where moving

vehicle will not hit it

IMPORTANT:

Vent-free heaters add mois-

ture to the air. Although this is beneficial,

installing heater in rooms without enough

ventilation air may cause mildew to form

from too much moisture. See Air for Com-

bustion and Ventilation, pages 3 through 5.

Mounting

Screw

Locations

10 7/8"

Minimum To

Maintain 8"

Clearance

From Wall

7 3/4"

20 1/4"

Minimum To

Maintain 3"

Clearance

From Floor

FLOOR

JOINING WALL

INSTALLING TO

WALL

NOTICE: A qualified service per-

son must install heater. Follow

all local codes.

CHECK GAS TYPE

Use only natural gas. If your gas supply is

not natural, do not install heater. Call dealer

where you bought heater for proper type

heater.

INSTALLATION ITEMS

Before installing heater, make sure you have

the items listed below.

• piping (check local codes)

• sealant (resistant to propane/LP gas)

• manual shutoff valve *

• ground joint union

• test gauge connection * (see Figure

12, page 8).

• sediment trap

• tee joint

• pipe wrench

* An A.G.A. design-certified manual shutoff

valve with 1/8" NPT tap is an acceptable

alternative to test gauge connection. Pur-

chase the optional A.G.A. design-certified

manual shutoff valve from your dealer. See

Accessory, page 15.

LOCATING HEATER

This heater is designed to be mounted on a

wall.

WARNING: Maintain the mini-

mum clearances shown in Figure

4. If you can, provide greater clear-

ances from floor, ceiling, and join-

ing wall.

WARNING: Never install the

heater

• in a bathroom (VN10 only)

• in a recreational vehicle

• where curtains, furniture,

clothing, or other flammable

objects are less than 36 inches

from the front, top, or sides of

the heater

• as a fireplace insert

• in high traffic areas

• in windy or drafty areas

Minimum To

Top Surface

Of Carpeting,

Tile or Other

Combustible

Material

7

101851

OWNER’S MANUAL

PLACING HEATER ON

MOUNTING SCREWS

1. Locate two keyhole slots on back panel

of heater (see Figure 9).

2. Place large openings of slots over

screwheads. Slide heater down until

screws are in small portion of slots.

Figure 11 - Installing Bottom Mounting

Screw

Figure 9 - Location Of Keyhole Slots On

Back Panel Of Heater

Keyhole Slots

REMOVING FRONT PANEL

OF HEATER

1. Remove two screws near bottom cor-

ners of front panel.

2. Lift straight up on grill guard until it

stops. Grill guard will slide up about 1/4".

3. Pull bottom of front panel forward, then

down.

Figure 10 - Removing Front Panel Of

Heater

INSTALLING BOTTOM

MOUNTING SCREW

1. Locate bottom mounting hole. This

hole is near bottom on back panel of

heater (see Figure 11).

2. Mark screw location on wall.

3. Remove heater from wall.

4. If installing bottom mounting screw

into hollow or solid wall, install wall

anchor. Follow steps 1 through 5 under

Attaching To Wall Anchor Method.

If installing bottom mounting screw

into wall stud, drill hole at marked lo-

cation using 9/64" drill bit.

5. Replace heater on wall.

6. Insert bottom anchor screw through

back panel into bottom anchor or drilled

hole (see Figure 11).

7. Tighten screw until heater is firmly se-

cured to wall. Do not over tighten.

Note:

Do not replace front panel at this

time. Replace front panel after making

gas connections and checking for leaks

(see pages 8 and 9).

Figure 7 - Popping Open Anchor Wings

For Thin Walls

Thin Walls

(1/4" to 1/2" thick)

INSTALLING TWO

MOUNTING SCREWS

Note:

Wall anchors and mounting screws

are in hardware package. The hardware pack-

age is provided with heater.

Attaching to wall stud method

For attaching mounting screw to wall stud

1. Drill hole at marked location using 9/

64" drill bit.

2. Insert mounting screw into wall stud.

3. Tighten screw until 1/16" space (thick-

ness of penny) is between screwhead

and wall.

Attaching to wall anchor

method

Follow instructions below to attach mount-

ing screws to hollow walls (wall areas be-

tween studs) or solid walls (concrete or

masonry).

1. Drill holes at marked locations using

5/16" drill bit. For solid walls (concrete

or masonry), drill at least 1 1/4" deep.

2. Fold wall anchor (see Figure 6).

Figure 6 - Folding Anchor

ANCHOR

Thin or Thick

Wall

(thick wall

shown)

Solid

Wall

1/16"

Space

Figure 8 - Tightening Anchors

INSTALLING TO

WALL

Continued

c

e

t

her

5. Tighten two screws until 1/16" space

(thickness of penny) is between

screwheads and wall (see Figure 8).

3. Insert wall anchor (wings first) into

hole. Tap anchor flush to wall.

4. For thin walls (1/2" or less), insert red

key into wall anchor. Push red key to

“pop” open anchor wings (see Figure

7).

IMPORTANT:

Do not hammer key!

For thick walls (over 1/2" thick) or solid

walls, do not pop open wings.

8

101851

NATURAL GAS HEATER

VANGUARD VN6C AND VN10

IMPORTANT:

Hold pressure regulator with wrench when connecting it to gas piping and/

or fittings.

Figure 12 - Gas Connection

* An A.G.A. design-certified manual shutoff valve with 1/8" NPT tap is an acceptable

alternative to test gauge connection. Purchase the optional A.G.A. design-certified manual

shutoff valve from your dealer. See Accessory, page 15.

Tee Joint

Reducer

Bushing to

1/8" NPT

Plug Tap

Test

Gauge

Connection *

Pressure

Regulator

Tee

Joint

Pipe

Nipple

Cap

Manual

Shutoff

Valve *

Ground Joint

Union

Heater

Cabinet

Sediment

Trap

3" Minimum

3/8" NPT

Pipe Nipple

From

Gas Meter

(4" W.C. to

10.5" W.C.

Pressure)

CONNECTING TO

GAS SUPPLY

NOTICE: A qualified service per-

son must connect heater to gas

supply. Follow all local codes.

WARNING: Never connect

heater to private (non-utility) gas

wells. This gas is commonly

known as well-head gas.

IMPORTANT:

Check gas line pressure be-

fore connecting heater to gas line. Gas line

pressure must be no greater than 14 inches

of water. If gas line pressure is higher,

heater regulator damage could occur.

CAUTION: Use only new,

black iron or steel pipe. Inter-

nally-tinned copper tubing may

be used in certain areas. Check

your local codes. Use pipe 3/8"

diameter or greater to allow

proper gas volume to heater. If

pipe is too small, undue loss of

pressure will occur.

Installation must include a manual shutoff

valve, ground joint union, and plugged 1/8"

NPT tap. Locate NPT tap within reach for

test gauge hook up. NPT tap must be up-

stream from heater (see Figure 12).

Apply pipe joint sealant lightly to male

threads. This will prevent excess sealant

from going into pipe. Excess sealant in pipe

could result in clogged heater valves.

Install sediment trap in supply line as shown

in Figure 12. Locate sediment trap where it

is within reach for cleaning. Locate sedi-

ment trap where trapped matter is not likely

to freeze. A sediment trap traps moisture

and contaminants. This keeps them from

going into heater controls. If sediment trap

is not installed or is installed wrong, heater

may not run properly.

CAUTION: Use pipe joint seal-

ant that is resistant to liquid pe-

troleum (LP) gas.

9

101851

OWNER’S MANUAL

PRESSURE TESTING

HEATER GAS

CONNECTIONS

1. Open manual shutoff valve (see Figure

13).

2. Open main gas valve located on or near

gas meter.

3. Make sure control knob of heater is in

the OFF position.

4. Check all joints from manual shutoff

valve to control valve (see Figure 14).

Apply mixture of liquid soap and wa-

ter to gas joints. Bubbles forming show

a leak.

5. Correct all leaks at once.

6. Light heater (see Operating Heater,

pages 9 through 11). Check all other

internal joints for leaks.

7. Turn off heater (see To Turn Off Gas to

Appliance, page 10).

8. Replace front panel.

ON

POSITION

OFF

POSITION

Figure 13 - Manual Shutoff Valve

Manual

Shutoff

Valve

Open

Closed

Control Valve

Location

Gas Meter

Manual

Shutoff

Valve

Figure 14 - Checking Gas Joints

PRESSURE TESTING GAS

SUPPLY PIPING SYSTEM

Test Pressures In Excess Of 1/2

PSIG

1. Disconnect heater and its individual

manual shutoff valve from gas supply

piping system. Pressures in excess of

1/2 PSIG will damage heater regula-

tor.

2. Cap off open end of gas pipe where

manual shutoff valve was connected.

3. Pressurize supply piping system by ei-

ther using compressed air or opening

main gas valve located on or near gas

meter.

4. Check all joints of gas supply piping

system. Apply mixture of liquid soap

and water to gas joints. Bubbles form-

ing show a leak.

5. Correct all leaks at once.

Test Pressures Equal To or

Less Than 1/2 PSIG

1. Close manual shutoff valve (see Fig-

ure 13).

2. Pressurize supply piping system by ei-

ther using compressed air or opening

main gas valve located on or near gas

meter.

3. Check all joints from gas meter to

manual shutoff valve (see Figure 14).

Apply mixture of liquid soap and wa-

ter to gas joints. Bubbles forming show

a leak.

4. Correct all leaks at once.

CHECKING GAS

CONNECTIONS

WARNING: Test all gas pip-

ing and connections for leaks

after installing or servicing. Cor-

rect all leaks at once.

WARNING: Never use an open

flame to check for a leak. Apply a

mixture of liquid soap and water

to all joints. Bubbles forming

show a leak. Correct all leaks at

once.

OPERATING

HEATER

FOR YOUR SAFETY

READ BEFORE

LIGHTING

A. This appliance has a pilot which must

be lighted by hand. When lighting the

pilot, follow these instructions ex-

actly.

B. BEFORE LIGHTING smell all

around the appliance area for gas. Be

sure to smell next to the floor because

some gas is heavier than air and will

settle on the floor.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL

GAS

• Do not try to light any appliance.

• Do not touch any electric switch;

do not use any phone in your build-

ing.

• Immediately call your gas supplier

from a neighbor’s phone. Follow

the gas supplier’s instructions.

• If you cannot reach your gas sup-

plier, call the fire department.

C. Use only your hand to push in or turn

the gas control knob. Never use tools.

If the knob will not push in or turn

by hand, don’t try to repair it, call a

qualified service technician or gas

supplier. Force or attempted repair

may result in a fire or explosion.

D. Do not use this appliance if any part

has been under water. Immediately

call a qualified service technician to

inspect the appliance and to replace

any part of the control system and

any gas control which has been un-

der water.

WARNING: If you do not fol-

low these instructions exactly, a

fire or explosion may result caus-

ing property damage, personal

injury or loss of life.

10

101851

NATURAL GAS HEATER

VANGUARD VN6C AND VN10

TO SELECT HEATING

LEVEL

1. Slightly press in control knob and

turn counterclockwise

C-clockwise

to the

LOW or HIGH positions (VN10) or

ON position (VN6C).

IMPORTANT:

Release downward

pressure while turning control knob.

Control knob will lock at the desired

position.

Figure 17 - Burner Patterns

WARNING: When running

heater, set control knob at LOW

or HIGH locked positions (VN10)

or ON position (VN6C). Never set

control knob between locked

positions. Poor combustion and

higher levels of carbon monox-

ide may result.

OPERATING

HEATER

Continued

CAUTION: Do not try to adjust

heating levels by using the

manual shutoff valve.

LOW

OFF

PILOT

HIGH

OFF

PILOT

OFF

Control VN10

Knob Burners

ON

OFF

PILOT

OFF

Control VN6C

Knob Burner

LIGHTING

INSTRUCTIONS

1. STOP! Read the safety information

above.

2. Make sure manual shutoff valve is

fully open.

3. Turn control knob clockwise

Clockwise

to the OFF position.

OFF

PILOT

IGNITOR

LOW

HIGH

Piezo Ignitor Button

Figure 15 - Control Knob In The OFF

Position (Model VN10 Shown)

Control Knob

4. Wait five (5) minutes to clear out any

gas. Then smell for gas, including

near the floor. If you smell gas,

STOP! Follow “B” in the safety in-

formation at the beginning of Oper-

ating Heater. If you don’t smell gas,

go to the next step.

5. Press in control knob, and turn coun-

terclockwise

C-clockwise

to pilot posi-

tion. Keep control knob pressed for

five seconds.

Note:

You may be running this

heater for the first time after hook-

ing up to gas supply. If so, the con-

trol knob may need to be pressed

in for 30 seconds. This will allow

air to bleed from the gas system.

• If control knob does not pop up

when released, contact a quali-

fied service person or gas sup-

plier for repairs.

6. With control knob pressed in, push

down and release ignitor button. This

will light pilot. The pilot is attached

to the front of burner. If needed, keep

pressing ignitor button until pilot

lights.

Note:

If pilot does not light, refer

to Troubleshooting, pages 12

through 14. Also contact a quali-

7. Keep control knob pressed in for 10

seconds after lighting pilot. After 10

seconds, release control knob.

Note:

If pilot goes out, repeat steps

3 through 7.

Ignitor Electrode

Pilot Burner

Thermocouple

Figure 16 - Pilot

fied service person or gas supplier

for repairs. Until repairs are made,

light pilot with match. To light pi-

lot with match, see Manual Light-

ing Procedure, page 11.

Shutting Off Heater

1. Turn control knob clockwise

Clockwise

to the OFF position.

Shutting Off Burner Only (pilot

stays lit)

1. Turn control knob clockwise

Clockwise

to the PILOT position.

TO TURN OFF GAS

TO APPLIANCE

11

101851

OWNER’S MANUAL

BURNER FLAME PATTERN

Figure 20 shows a correct burner flame

pattern. Figure 21 shows an incorrect burner

flame pattern.

Figure 20 - Correct Burner Flame Pattern

(Model VN10 Shown)

Figure 21 - Incorrect Burner Flame Pattern

(Model VN10 Shown)

If burner flame pattern is incorrect, as shown

in Figure 21

• turn heater off (see To Turn Off Gas

to Appliance, page 10)

• see Troubleshooting, pages 12

through 14

CLEANING AND

MAINTENANCE

ODS/PILOT AND BURNER

ORIFICE

• Use a vacuum cleaner, pressurized

air, or small, soft bristled brush to

clean.

CABINET

Air Passageways

• Use a vacuum cleaner or pressurized

air to clean.

Exterior

• Use a soft cloth dampened with a

mild soap and water mixture. Wipe

the cabinet to remove dust.

WARNING: Turn off heater

and let cool before cleaning.

CAUTION: You must keep

control areas, burner, and circu-

lating air passageways of heater

clean. Inspect these areas of

heater before each use. Have

heater inspected yearly by a quali-

fied service person. Heater may

need more frequent cleaning due

to excessive lint from carpeting,

bedding material, etc.

GRH/OV 009GOOD PILOT

GRH/OV 010BAD PILOT

If pilot flame pattern is incorrect, as shown

in Figure 19

• turn heater off (see To Turn Off Gas

to Appliance, page 10)

• see Troubleshooting, pages 12

through 14

Pilot Burner

Thermocouple

Pilot Burner

Check pilot flame pattern and burner flame

pattern often.

PILOT FLAME PATTERN

Figure 18 shows a correct pilot flame pat-

tern. Figure 19 shows an incorrect pilot

flame pattern. The incorrect pilot flame is

not touching the thermocouple. This will

cause the thermocouple to cool. When the

thermocouple cools, the heater will shut

down.

INSPECTING

BURNER

Figure 19 - Incorrect Pilot Flame Pattern

Figure 18 - Correct Pilot Flame Pattern

MANUAL LIGHTING

PROCEDURE

1. Remove front panel (see Figure 10,

page 7).

2. Follow steps 1 through 5 under Light-

ing Instructions, page 10.

3. With control knob pressed in, strike

match. Hold match to pilot until pi-

lot lights.

4. Keep control knob pressed in for 10

seconds after pilot is lit. After 10 sec-

onds, release control knob.

5. Replace front panel.

OPERATING

HEATER

Continued

12

101851

NATURAL GAS HEATER

VANGUARD VN6C AND VN10

POSSIBLE CAUSE

1. Ignitor electrode positioned wrong

2. Ignitor electrode broken

3. Ignitor electrode not connected to igni-

tor cable

4. Ignitor cable pinched or wet

5. Piezo ignitor nut is loose

6. Broken ignitor cable

7. Bad piezo ignitor

1. Gas supply turned off or manual shutoff

valve closed

2. Control knob not in PILOT position

3. Control knob not pressed in while in

PILOT position

4. Air in gas lines when installed

5. ODS/pilot is clogged

6. Gas regulator setting is not correct

1. Control knob not fully pressed in

2. Control knob not pressed in long enough

3. Manual shutoff valve not fully open

4. Thermocouple connection loose at con-

trol valve

5. Pilot flame not touching thermocouple,

which allows thermocouple to cool,

causing pilot flame to go out. This prob-

lem could be caused by one or both of

the following:

A) Low gas pressure

B) Dirty or partially clogged ODS/

pilot

6. Thermocouple damaged

7. Control valve damaged

REMEDY

1. Replace ignitor

2. Replace ignitor

3. Reconnect ignitor cable

4. Free ignitor cable if pinched by any

metal or tubing. Keep ignitor cable dry

5. Tighten nut holding piezo ignitor to

heater cabinet. Nut is located inside

heater cabinet at top.

6. Replace ignitor cable

7. Replace piezo ignitor

1. Turn on gas supply or open manual

shutoff valve

2. Turn control knob to PILOT position

3. Press in control knob while in PILOT

position

4. Continue holding down control knob.

Repeat igniting operation until air is re-

moved

5. Clean ODS/pilot (see Cleaning and

Maintenance, page 11) or replace ODS/

pilot assembly

6. Replace gas regulator

1. Press in control knob fully

2. After ODS/pilot lights, keep control

knob pressed in 10 seconds

3. Fully open manual shut-off valve

4. Hand tighten until snug, then tighten 1/4

turn more

5. A) Contact local natural gas company

B) Clean ODS/pilot (see Cleaning and

Maintenance, page 11) or replace ODS/

pilot assembly

6. Replace thermocouple

7. Replace control valve

OBSERVED PROBLEM

When ignitor button is pressed and control

knob is pressed in and turned to the PILOT

position, there is no spark at ODS/pilot

When ignitor button is pressed and control

knob is pressed in and turned to the PILOT

position, there is spark at ODS/pilot but no

ignition

ODS/pilot lights but flame goes out when

control knob is released

TROUBLESHOOTING

Note:

All troubleshooting items are listed

in order of operation.

WARNING: Turn off heater

and let cool before servicing. Only

a qualified service person should

service and repair heater.

CAUTION: Never use a wire,

needle, or similar object to clean

ODS/pilot. This can damage ODS/

pilot unit.

13

101851

OWNER’S MANUAL

TROUBLESHOOTING

Continued

OBSERVED PROBLEM

Burner(s) does not light after ODS/pilot is

lit

Delayed ignition of burner(s)

Burner backfiring during combustion

Burner plaque(s) does not glow

Slight smoke or odor during initial opera-

tion

Heater produces a clicking/ticking noise

just after burner is lit or shut off

REMEDY

1. Clean burner orifice(s) (see Cleaning

and Maintenance, page 11) or replace

burner orifice(s)

2. Replace burner orifice(s)

3. Contact local natural gas company

1. Contact local natural gas company

2. Clean burner orifice(s) (see Cleaning

and Maintenance, page 11) or replace

burner orifice(s)

1. Clean burner orifice(s) (see Cleaning

and Maintenance, page 11) or replace

burner orifice(s)

2. Contact local natural gas company

3. Replace burner

4. Replace gas regulator

1. Replace burner

2. Contact local natural gas company

3. Turn control knob until it locks at de-

sired setting

1. Problem will stop after a few hours of

operation

1. This is common with most heaters. If

noise is excessive, contact qualified ser-

vice person

POSSIBLE CAUSE

1. Burner orifice(s) is clogged

2. Burner orifice(s) diameter is too small

3. Inlet gas pressure is too low

1. Manifold pressure is too low

2. Burner orifice(s) is clogged

1. Burner orifice(s) is clogged or damaged

2. Inlet gas pressure is too low

3. Burner damaged

4. Gas regulator defective

1. Plaque damaged

2. Inlet gas pressure is too low

3. Control knob set between locked posi-

tions

1. Residues from manufacturing processes

1. Metal expanding while heating or con-

tracting while cooling

WARNING: If you smell gas

• Shut off gas supply.

• Do not try to light any appliance.

• Do not touch any electrical switch; do not use any phone in your

building.

• Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor’s phone. Follow the

gas supplier’s instructions.

• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department.

IMPORTANT:

Operating heater where impurities in air exist may create odors. Cleaning

supplies, paint, paint remover, cigarette smoke, cements and glues, new carpet or textiles,

etc., create fumes. These fumes may mix with combustion air and create odors.

14

101851

NATURAL GAS HEATER

VANGUARD VN6C AND VN10

OBSERVED PROBLEM

Gas odor even when control knob is in OFF

position

Gas odor during combustion

Moisture/condensation noticed on windows

REMEDY

1. Locate and correct all leaks (see Check-

ing Gas Connections, page 9)

2. Replace control valve

1. Take apart gas tubing and remove for-

eign matter

2. Locate and correct all leaks (see Check-

ing Gas Connections, page 9)

1. Refer to Air for Combustion and Venti-

lation requirements (page 3)

POSSIBLE CAUSE

1. Gas leak. See Warning statement

above

2. Control valve defective

1. Foreign matter between control valve

and burner

2. Gas leak. See Warning statement

above

1. Not enough combustion/ventilation air

WARNING: If you smell gas

• Shut off gas supply.

• Do not try to light any appliance.

• Do not touch any electrical switch; do not use any phone in your

building.

• Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor’s phone. Follow the

gas supplier’s instructions.

• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department.

POSSIBLE CAUSE

1. Heater burning vapors from paint, hair

spray, glues, etc. See

IMPORTANT

statement above

2. Gas leak. See Warning statement be-

low

1. Not enough fresh air is available

2. Low line pressure

3. ODS/pilot is partially clogged

REMEDY

1. Ventilate room. Stop using odor-causing

products while heater is running

2. Locate and correct all leaks (see Check-

ing Gas Connections, pages 8 and 9)

1. Open window and/or door for ventila-

tion

2. Contact local natural gas company

3. Clean ODS/pilot (see Cleaning and

Maintenance, page 11)

TROUBLESHOOTING

Continued

OBSERVED PROBLEM

Heater produces unwanted odors

Heater shuts off in use (ODS operates)

15

101851

OWNER’S MANUAL

You may have further questions about in-

stallation, operation, or troubleshooting.

If so, contact DESA International’s Techni-

cal Service Department at 1-800-323-5190.

TECHNICAL

SERVICE

SPECIFICATIONS

VN10 VN6C

Btu (Variable) 5,500/10,000 6,000

Type Gas Natural Only Natural Only

Ignition Piezo Piezo

Pressure Regulator

Setting 3" W.C. 3" W.C.

Inlet Gas Pressure (inches of water)

Maximum 10.5" 10.5"

Minimum 4" 4"

Dimensions, Inches (H x W x D)

Heater 20 1/2 x 13 1/2 x 5 20 1/2 x 13 1/2 x 5

Carton 25 x 16 11/16 x 7 1/2 25 x 16 11/16 x 7 1/2

Weight (pounds)

Heater 14 13

Shipping 18 17

When gas pressure is too low

• pilot will not stay lit

• burner(s) will have delayed ignition

• heater will not produce specified heat

When gas quality is bad

• pilot will not stay lit

• burner(s) will produce flames and

soot

• heater will backfire when lit

You may feel your gas pressure is too low or

gas quality is bad. If so, contact your local

natural gas supplier.

SERVICE HINTS

Note:

Use only original replacement parts.

This will protect your warranty coverage for

parts replaced under warranty.

Parts Under Warranty

Contact authorized dealer from whom you

purchased this product. If they cannot sup-

ply original replacement part(s), call DESA

International’s Technical Service Depart-

ment at 1-800-323-5190 for referral infor-

mation.

When contacting your dealer or DESA In-

ternational, have ready:

• your name

• your address

• model number of your heater

• how heater was malfunctioning

• type of gas used (propane/LP or natu-

ral gas)

• purchase date

Usually, we will ask you to return the defec-

tive part to the factory.

Parts Not Under Warranty

Contact authorized dealers of this product.

If they cannot supply original replacement

part(s), call DESA International’s Parts

Department at 1-800-972-7879 for referral

information.

When calling DESA International, have

ready:

• model number of your heater

• the replacement part number

REPLACEMENT

PARTS

ACCESSORY

Purchase this heater accessory from your

local dealer. If they cannot supply this ac-

cessory, call DESA International’s Parts

Department at 1-800-972-7879 for referral

information. You can also write to the ad-

dress listed on the back page of this manual.

MANUAL

SHUTOFF

VALVE -

GA5010

Manual shutoff

valve with 1/8"

NPT tap.

SERVICE

PUBLICATIONS

You can purchase a service manual from the

address listed on the back page of this

manual. Send a check for $5.00 payable to

DESA International.

16

101851

NATURAL GAS HEATER

VANGUARD VN6C AND VN10

PARTS LIST

VN6C

This list contains replaceable parts used in your heater. When ordering parts, follow the instructions

listed under Replacement Parts on page 15 of this manual.

HEATER EXPLODED VIEW

7-1

7-2

ODS/PILOT

KEY PART

NO. NUMBER DESCRIPTION QTY.

1 098304-01 Screw, #10 x 3/8" 2

2 099467-03 Front Panel Assembly 1

3 099318-03 Grill Guard 1

4 101108-01 Grill Guard Clip 2

5 099469-01 Reflector Assembly 1

6 M15823-37 Screw Hex #8 x 1/4" 9

7 503329 ODS/Pilot Assembly 1

7-1 098514-01 Thermocouple 1

7-2 098594-01 Ignitor Electrode 1

8 099884-01 Burner Assembly 1

9 099056-04 Injector 1

10 099390-01 Tubing - Valve to burner 1

11 099387-05 Pilot Tubing - Valve to pilot 1

12 099391-02 Tubing - Regulator to valve 1

13 100829-01 Control Valve 1

PARTS AVAILABLE - NOT SHOWN

KEY PART

NO. NUMBER DESCRIPTION QTY.

14 099057-01 Pressure Tap Fitting 1

15 098276-01 1/8 Pipe Plug 1

16 099468-10 Cabinet Assembly 1

17 099415-01 Gas Regulator 1

18 098303-02 Screw, #6 x 5/16" 2

19 098508-01 Valve Retainer Nut 1

20 099393-02 Control Knob 1

21 M11084-26 Screw, #10 x 3/8" 2

22 099818-01 Internal Tooth Washer 1

23 102445-01 Piezo Ignitor 1

24 098271-03 Ignitor Cable 1

099395-08 Control Position Label 1

100642-02 Assembly, Hardware 1

GRHpv013.V

GRHVP5B

20

19

18

17

16

13

14

15

12

10

9

11

21

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

8

22

23

24

17

101851

OWNER’S MANUAL

KEY PART

NO. NUMBER DESCRIPTION QTY.

15 099057-01 Pressure Tap Fitting 1

16 098276-01 1/8 Pipe Plug 1

17 099468-08 Cabinet Assembly 1

18 099415-01 Gas Regulator 1

19 098303-02 Screw, #6 x 5/16" 2

20 098508-01 Valve Retainer Nut 1

21 099393-02 Control Knob 1

22 M11084-26 Screw, #10 x 3/8" 2

23 099818-01 Internal Tooth Washer 1

24 102445-01 Piezo Ignitor 1

25 098271-03 Ignitor Cable 1

099395-07 Control Position Label 1

100642-02 Assembly, Hardware 1

HEATER EXPLODED VIEW

PARTS LIST

VN10

This list contains replaceable parts used in your heater. When ordering parts, follow the instructions listed

under Replacement Parts on page 15 of this manual.

KEY PART

NO. NUMBER DESCRIPTION QTY.

1 098304-01 Screw, #10 x 3/8" 2

2 099467-03 Front Panel Assembly 1

3 099318-03 Grill Guard 1

4 101108-01 Grill Guard Clip 2

5 099469-02 Reflector Assembly 1

6 M15823-37 Screw Hex #8 x 1/4" 10

7 503329 ODS/Pilot Assembly 1

7-1 098514-01 Thermocouple 1

7-2 098594-01 Ignitor Electrode 1

8 099884-02 Burner Assembly 1

9 099056-06 Injector 2

10 099390-02 Tubing - Valve to plaque A 1

11 099387-05 Pilot Tubing - Valve to pilot 1

12 099392-01 Tubing - Valve to plaque B

13 099391-02 Tubing - Regulator to valve 1

14 100432-01 Control Valve 1

PARTS AVAILABLE - NOT SHOWN

7-1

7-2

ODS/PILOT

GRH/VP's & VN's 2-PLAQUE

21

20

19

18

17

14

15

16

13

10

12

9

11

22

7

8

6

5

4

3

2

1

A

B

23

24

25

18

101851

NATURAL GAS HEATER

VANGUARD VN6C AND VN10

NOTES

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

19

101851

OWNER’S MANUAL

NOTES

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

LIMITED WARRANTY

VANGUARD VENT-FREE RESIDENTIAL GAS HEATERS

DESA International warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and components for three (3) years

from the date of first purchase, provided that the product has been properly installed, operated and maintained in

accordance with all applicable instructions. To make a claim under this warranty the Bill of Sale or cancelled check

must be presented.

This warranty is extended only to the original retail purchaser. This warranty covers the cost of part(s) required to

restore this heater to proper operating condition and an allowance for labor when provided by a DESA Authorized

Service Center. Warranty part(s) MUST be obtained through authorized dealers of this product and/or DESA

International who will provide original factory replacement parts. Failure to use original factory replacement parts

voids this warranty. The heater MUST be installed by a qualified installer in accordance with all local codes and

instructions furnished with the unit.

This warranty does not apply to parts that are not in original condition because of normal wear and tear, or parts

that fail or become damaged as a result of misuse, accidents, lack of proper maintenance or defects caused by

improper installation. Travel, diagnostic cost, labor, transportation and any and all such other costs related to

repairing a defective heater will be the responsibility of the owner.

TO THE FULL EXTENT ALLOWED BY THE LAW OF THE JURISDICTION THAT GOVERNS THE SALE

OF THE PRODUCT; THIS EXPRESS WARRANTY EXCLUDES ANY AND ALL OTHER EXPRESSED

WARRANTIES AND LIMITS THE DURATION OF ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING

WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE TO THREE (3)

YEARS ON ALL COMPONENTS FROM THE DATE OF FIRST PURCHASE; AND DESA

INTERNATIONAL’S LIABILITY IS HEREBY LIMITED TO THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE PRODUCT

AND DESA INTERNATIONAL SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY OTHER DAMAGES WHATSOEVER

INCLUDING INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.

Some states do not allow a limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts or an exclusion or limitation of

incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation on implied warranties, or exclusion or limitation on

damages may not apply to you.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state.

For information about this warranty write:

2701 Industrial Drive

P.O. Box 90004

Bowling Green, KY 42102-9004

101851-01

REV. D

7/97

Always specify model and serial numbers when communicating with the factory.

We reserve the right to amend these specifications at any time without notice. The only warranty applicable is our

standard written warranty. We make no other warranty, expressed or implied.

KEEP THIS WARRANTY

Model

Serial No.

Date Purchased

WARRANTY INFORMATION

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